Medgadget recently reported on the FDA approval of the Obalon balloon system, which assists weight-loss in obese patients who have failed to lose weight by other means and is an alternative to conventional gastric bypass surgery. The system has been developed by Obalon Therapeutics, a company out of Carlsbad, California, and consists of inflatable balloons that can be inserted into the stomach in a minimally invasive manner. The treatment involves swallowing a deflated balloon in the form of a small capsule attached to a thin tube. Once in the stomach, the balloon is inflated and the tube is withdrawn. A maximum of up to three balloons can be placed in the stomach, to be left in place for up to six months before deflation and removal using an endoscopic procedure. The balloons contribute a feeling of satiety, meaning that patients tend to eat less and lose weight.Medgadget had the opportunity to ask Andy Rasdal, CEO of Obalon Therapeutics some questions about the Obalon balloon system.